Today features another guest post by Tim Killian. He recently started his own website about training for a virtual marathon with a friend of his and I would highly encourage you to check it out!

I would go crazy if I couldn’t run outside everyday.

I remember when Gov. Tim Walz was giving the announcement to “Shelter in Place” for two weeks and being terrified that would mean I couldn’t get outside and run.

The gyms had already been closed, as well as the fitness center at the apartment where I live. I had been working at home for almost two weeks and getting outside to run was the only way I felt I could keep my sanity. Then the guidelines came out and said you could still enjoy the outdoors: Walk your dog, ride your bike, or just be in nature. I was relieved, I had a hard time believing they would take that away, but was still scared of the possibility. 

I ran occasionally before the quarantine began in the US, but once it became more apparent that our day-to-day lives would shift and we would be limited at what we can do, I started to run more often throughout the week. When my work then shifted to work from home, it picked up even more.

I feel very fortunate to be in a position where I can work from my living room, but watching the weather turn from winter to spring out the window, and not being able to enjoy it, would make all this even harder. So I started running after work everyday, or on my lunch break if I feel extra restless. There are a couple of nice trails around a mile from my front door, and they are wide enough to make staying a safe distance away from other people easier. I have also noticed that people seem friendlier than usual when you see them outside. When I pass someone coming the opposite way I get a wave, nod, or smile almost every time. 

If you have a busy or packed house, it’s also a nice way to get some time to yourself. Even if running isn’t your thing, going for a walk with some music, a podcast, or an audiobook can make a big difference. I used to listen to music, but my same “Running” playlist on repeat for weeks and months got old, so I switched to audiobooks.

I just finished Stephen King’s memoir On Writing and have moved onto Elton John’s autobiography Me. Both of which I would encourage people to listen to if you are looking for recommendations. It helps take my head out of the quarantine, and I can go 30-45 mins without hearing about thousands of new cases and the spread of a pandemic. 

If you are someone who needs motivation or a goal to work for to get out and run, there are a ton of race events that are turning virtual that you can sign up for and complete on your own time. Rather than an early Saturday morning, you can run a 5K after work on a Wednesday, or wait for the run to stop and weather to be just right.

Notably for Duluth, Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled this year, but is still allowing those who have registered to complete the distance on their own to receive their finisher shirt and medal. There are a ton of smaller events and shorter distances being offered as well, some of which are organizations that rely on hosting these events every year.

This past weekend, I signed up for and completed a 5K for This Old Horse, a charity that feeds and shelters retired or unwanted horses. Their biggest fundraiser had to be cancelled due to Cold-19 and the virtual 5K was their way of adapting. There are a ton of other races/events that you can sign up for, RunnersWorld has a great article with a list that includes free options, or searching online you can find plenty as well. 

I’ve always enjoyed running, but sometimes going out felt like a burden, excuses would flow and if I missed a day it wouldn’t be that big of a deal, I would even be relieved about it. Since the restrictions started on where we can go and what we can do, I now rely on running and look forward to it daily. My schedule now is running 5 days a week, while resting for two. Even though my legs are sore, these days are always the hardest, I want to be out on the trail. If I didn’t get out I think I would have gone crazy weeks ago. 

The best part about running? There is no pressure. It’s free and can adhere completely to your schedule. You can go at a time when you need it most. Running by yourself you can go at your own pace, listen to whatever you want, and run for as long as you want. Just keep moving and stay safe.